Headed by forest ministry Deputy Secretary Md Abdul Halim, the team included Assistant Conservator of Forests Shafiul Alam Chowdhury and Assistant Director of Environment Directorate Hasan Zahid.

Members of the team left Khulna on Monday for Dhaka. It will submit its report to the government today.

According a member of the team, Bonkhagrha and Keorha trees worth over Tk 60 lakh on four acres of forestland were burnt in fire that originated from lighted cigarettes or bidis thrown by fishermen.

It is learnt from the team that the fire broke out on May 13 at Tulatala, which was brought under control on May 14 by local people.

According to the Station Officer at Dhanshagor Forest Office, sixty wells had to be dug for arranging water to extinguish the fire.

It is alleged that the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in the Eastern Wing of the Sundarbans had visited the spot on April 19, six days after fire had broke out. But he did not take appropriate step in time to put out the fire.

The DFO could not be reached over phone despite several attempts on Monday. A staff at his office said he was in Bagerhat town.